Quote:
Originally Posted by Knalus
Just how "easy" do you think it is to make a buck on the oilsands? Alberta has resources, but they are amongst the worst petroleum resources in the world. There are a lot of oilsands in different places around the world - Venezuela, Madagascar, Utah. None of them are economic. Venezuela's is larger, better grade, in a country with a longer history of oil production. It isn't profitable because it isn't in Alberta.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazy_eoj
Fortunately, Alberta has had the forsight to develop many more resources than just 'oil sands'. As we are all aware, I'm sure, Quebec sits upon major natural gas deposits. Natural Gas development was the lifeblood of the Alberta economy for many decades, could you explain why those resources were never developed?
Also, I'm confused by your statement regarding Federal Liberal grants being the main reason why the Oil Sands were developed. Could you explain what you mean, and maybe quantify them against the major Alberta investment initiatives (mainly the oil sands investment royalty holiday program)?
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I'm not naive enough to suggest that Alberta hasn't put anything towards this, or that this is an "easy" way to make a buck. All I'm saying is that there are a lot of factors for how/why the oil industry is as important to the province and country today as it is. All levels of government have made sacrifices and contributions in one way or another.
Quebec is what it is. I can't explain things that they have or haven't done and why or why not they pursue these things. I have a hard time seeing the relevance of their policies to our current provincial election, but maybe I'm the only one.
More specifically to your point knalus, I see countries like Venezuela in particular as a huge problem for Alberta. The oil is cheaper and easier there than it is here, by a long shot. We all know that the major impediment there today is Chavez, and that won't last forever. This type of concern is exactly my rational for increasing the amount of savings we make from our current revenues and not sending out cheques to every man, woman and child for $300+ each. Its foolish, short sighted and when the oil is worth less or the revenue stream is not maintainable we'll all feel stupid for having done this.
I'll remind you that the ONLY province to default was Alberta in 1936. The province was definitely a have not until we hit oil; that's awesome for us today and over the next while and we should be thankful for this bounty. One day that will be gone though (and we all know that) so to fritter it away today is just plain irresponsible and foolish. Why this isn't a bigger issue in this election (or any other) is really beyond me.